Intelligence Squared provides the premise of the debate: “The popular uprisings of the Arab Spring have left a leadership void that Islamist parties have been quick to fill. A longtime supporter of former strongmen like Egypt’s Mubarak and Tunisia’s Ben Ali, the U.S. now faces the uncomfortable result of Arab democracy—the rise of Islamist parties that are less amenable to the West than their autocratic predecessors. Will the Islamists, who once embraced violence, slowly liberalize as they face the difficulties of state leadership? Or will it mean the growth of anti-Americanism and radicalization in the region?”

The video runs nearly two hours, but after a ten-minute introduction, the debate is a fast-moving, entertaining and educational affair. Gerecht and Pipes in particular present a learned and spirited contrast from which one can learn.

Second, Gerecht and Pipes should be on university faculties teaching students who have a contribution to make to our country. That they are making their living at think tanks is a sad reflection on the state of higher education.

Third, Intelligence Squared has posted the results of the vote on the debate here.